A pub diner’s prized lunch bill has taken the internet by storm after he shared a picture of his receipt for two sandwiches and two fizzy drinks.
Leigh Keystone, from Wales, took to X to share his frustration at the cost of eating at a “boggy standard pub” he chose not to name in the UK.
Despite only ordering four food items from the menu and no alcoholic drinks, his bill came to £32.50.
Leigh was annoyed that he and his wife didn’t eat out much, but he was shocked by the price of two cheese sandwiches, two fries and two Pepsis.
People shared the customer’s frustration, saying the price of eating out had “skyrocketed” so many resorted to eating at home before going out.
Sharing his receipt online, Leigh wrote: “Don’t eat much in pubs: Pint of coke: £4, Half coke: £3.60, Two cheese sandwiches: £19.90, is this normal for a bog standard pub? The woman said if I mentioned that a half coke was £3.60 again she would leave me!!’
The cheese sandwiches came in at a whopping £9.95 each, with both sides of chips adding an extra £5.
Meanwhile, you might assume that a full Pepsi Max would be double the price of a half glass, but there was just 40p between them, with a typical Pepsi Max coming in at £4.00.
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The post has had more than 230,000 views and 700 comments, with one person saying: “The cost of eating out has gone through the roof.
“My wife and I had a bacon sandwich in the tea van, she had a tea and I had a coffee, and it was just shy of a tenner! We don’t eat very often today (we are retired).’
Another said: “Unfortunately the cost of eating out has skyrocketed, it’s becoming a self-destructive cycle we won’t be bothered any more, we’d rather get friends, spend £30 on a snack or meal prep than overpay the odds. Prices have gone up, portions have gone down, it’s not sustainable.”
Someone else agreed and said: ‘This is outrageous. My partner and I had an excellent three course meal with a small beer and a bottle of wine last night at a waterfront restaurant in Spain for €70.
“We noted at the time that you won’t be able to do this at home. That proves it perfectly.”
“From now on I will avoid this place like the plague. Leigh was fuming. Before adding: “It was a rare day out. But never again. Lol.’
He later added: “We had a day out but next time we’ll bring our own cheese sandwiches. Lol.’
But some people sympathized with local pubs and restaurants, saying their bills were also rising.
One person said: “Yes, that sounds about right. But before you blame the landlord, look at what breweries charge landlords and look at utility costs. It’s ridiculous, but that’s the industry today.’
Another said: “That sounds about right. An expensive pub and food business, that’s the only area to make money with the price of alcohol through the roof. Food is expensive, service is expensive, personnel costs are high and many other costs to consider. It is not easy.’
Meanwhile, someone wrote: “Remember you pay to be served, for a glass, for someone to make you lunch, for rent, for electricity, for service, for cleaning up after you, for heating, etc. etc. pub she is expensive today. Most of them are just about getting even.”